French Fishing Nets Provide Unexpected Defense Against Russian Drones in Ukraine
French fishing nets, originally designed for deep-sea use, have emerged as an unexpected defensive tool in Ukraine, aimed at countering Russian drones that target civilians and military positions.
The Kernic Solidarités foundation, a charity based in Brittany, France, has dispatched two shipments of nets totaling 280 kilometers to Ukraine. These nets are intended to shield both soldiers and civilians in areas where fighting is intense, according to the Guardian.
This initiative comes as Russia employs small, inexpensive drones equipped with explosives, capable of being remotely guided over distances of up to 25 kilometers.
In contrast, the French nets are utilized to create "net tunnels" that entangle the drone propellers, thereby diminishing their effectiveness and reducing their threat.
Christian Abazio, logistics manager for the foundation, noted that the horsehair nets were initially intended for catching monkfish in deep waters, emphasizing that they "hit with a force comparable to that of the drone."
He added that medical personnel initially used the nets to protect medical camps near the front lines, but they are now deployed on roads, bridges, and hospital entrances, stating, "It is remarkable that something so simple is effective."
Irina Rybakova, communications officer for the 93rd Brigade of the Ukrainian forces, indicated that anti-drone net tunnels are being installed throughout the Donetsk region. She emphasized that while the nets are not a "miracle solution," they serve as an important protective measure against drones.
She also mentioned that Russian drone operators are increasingly finding ways to bypass these net barriers, necessitating ongoing updates to their defenses.
In a show of solidarity, fishermen from Sweden and Denmark have rushed to donate hundreds of tons of old nets to Ukraine, supporting both military and civilian efforts.
Statistics show that by July 2025, Ukraine was facing over 500 drone attacks per day, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions like netting.
